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"We are probably some years away before we even see the soil being turned on some of these significant projects.

"So it has been a frustrating point to date but we're not out of the woods by any length in the near future."

A letter from regional council chair Chris Laidlaw and mayor Justin Lester hints getting that endorsement from councillors won't necessarily be easy.

The letter sent to the Transport Minister in February this year has been uncovered in a LGOIMA response provided to Wellington-based National list MP Nicola Willis.

The letter starts by thanking Phil Twyford for the opportunity to work with him "directly".

They have written in support of the proposal and say Cabinet's decision will allow them to share it in full with their respective councils.

"This decision will be challenging for some councillors, as you would expect, but having now reached consensus on the proposal we believe we can now work with our councils towards any necessary decisions."

The two council leaders say they're mindful of the need to "hit the ground running" following Cabinet's decision.

"In order to do that we need urgent decisions from the New Zealand Transport Agency to help us transition from our current development structure to an agile, responsive and capable delivery partnership".

Lester would not comment specifically on the letter.

He wanted to let the Government objectively make its decision.

"I want a good outcome for Wellington and I don't want to put any future investment at risk."